d2006 / Re: I'm just wondering that if -Emit, how about
posted on
Dec 17, 2007 05:33PM
I think talk about multi-billion dollar settlements is unrealistic. The original lawsuits filed talked of "several hundred million" dollars in damages, or at least were characterized that way in the press. That included all FIVE defendants.
Since then, 2 defendants settled, and most of a third did as well. In total, those three settlements were less than $70M. If indeed the rest have settled, and considering this would be a settlement, and not the result of a litigation decision, I see NO WAY we'll even see $500M in settlements. In fact, I think it's realistic to expect somewhere between $75M to $200M in settlements TOTAL. While I think it's possible it ends up more, considering it'll be a settlement, and considering that TPL/PTSC have taken the tact to be less adversarial when possible, I doubt it will be more.
That being said, I think that DOES provide validation, and can be considered BIG BUCKS. However, I think it is a disservice to raise expectations to what I consider outlandish levels. I think talk about multi-billion dollar settlements is unrealistic. The original lawsuits filed talked of "several hundred million" dollars in damages, or at least were characterized that way in the press. That included all FIVE defendants.
Since then, 2 defendants settled, and most of a third did as well. In total, those three settlements were less than $70M. If indeed the rest have settled, and considering this would be a settlement, and not the result of a litigation decision, I see NO WAY we'll even see $500M in settlements. In fact, I think it's realistic to expect somewhere between $75M to $200M in settlements TOTAL. While I think it's possible it ends up more, considering it'll be a settlement, and considering that TPL/PTSC have taken the tact to be less adversarial when possible, I doubt it will be more.
That being said, I think that DOES provide validation, and can be considered BIG BUCKS. However, I think it is a disservice to raise expectations to what I consider outlandish levels.
A $150M settlement IMO will be considered very favorably by the market IMO.